The Daily Drivers: 2015 Honda Accord Coupe EX-L V-6 is function with flash

The Accord has long been a bestseller, but the car is in a class of its own when it comes to model range: Honda is the only automaker that still makes a coupe version of its midsize sedan. In some ways, it's a throwback to the day when two-door cars were common. For 2015, most of the changes to the Accord involve features for the various trims.

Appearance: Overall, the look is a bit simple, some might say bland, for a sporty coupe. But in this case, less is more. This isn't a performance car, after all. What you get is a handsome coupe with enough visual interest — bold, black-mesh grille, LED-underscored headlights, flared fenders, 18-inch alloy wheels — to stand out among the drones on your morning commute.

Performance: Fun and spirited. Our tester — the EX-L trim — came with the 3.5-liter, high-revving V-6 that puts out 278 horsepower and makes for quick acceleration off the line. Yes, you can even lay down some rubber on this front-wheel-drive car. Its variable cylinder management helps get mileage of 18 city, 28 highway. The coupe's other trims come with Honda's 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder. Our tester came with a 6-speed manual transmission. Quibbles: Both the shifter and clutch are on the light side, and when starting off in first gear, the clutch can be springy. Don't like that? An automatic transmission (CVT) is available, but why? The handling is nimble if not sports-car like for a 3,400-pound car, but Lyra thought it felt "big."

Interior: It's an Accord, so as we've come to expect, the fit and finish are excellent, and even the plastics are of good quality. For 2015, the cabin is quieter thanks to the Active Noise Cancellation and more sound insulation. The heated leather seats are comfortable and well bolstered — the better to hold you tight while carving corners. For a coupe, the head- and legroom are good if not expansive; taller drivers and hat-wearers may feel slightly constrained. The seats slide forward for better access to the rear, where entry is easy for kids but may be a struggle for adults. You can squeeze three people in the back — quite an accomplishment for any coupe — but realistically, it's best with two. The center console's gadgets bin has power and USB connections, but the slot for the phone isn't wide enough to hold bigger models. Like the sedan, the coupe has the two-screen center stack with a touchscreen for controls at the bottom and a larger display atop the dash. Once you get used to it, the arrangement isn't too off-putting, but we've always found Honda's approach redundant and confusing. The Accord also has Honda's LaneWatch camera, which shows on the center display what's on the right side of the car when you put on the right-turn signal.

Our 3 favorites

Peter Couture

Engine: This V-6 loves to be pushed to the redline.

Safety: A rearview camera is standard. The EX-L gets the multi-angle version.

Attitude: I love that Honda is a holdout on midsize coupes.

Lyra Solochek

Design: Sleek profile and an aggressive-looking front fascia.

Seats: They're well bolstered and comfortable in the upper trim line.

Trunk space: Huge. So deep that I had to climb in to get a few grocery bags that scooted forward.

The bottom line: Do you want the practicality and reliability of a Honda Accord, but also desire a sporty style and power? It's available in this coupe.